James Madison University is seeking a full-time Assistant Programme Coordinator for its London, England based study abroad program. The Assistant Programme Coordinator will assist the Programme Coordinator with on-site management of the program in Bloomsbury, including student support, assisting with outing and trip planning and execution, and other administrative tasks. This role requires flexibility in working hours due to varying operational requirements at different times of the semester and throughout the year.

Salary: £31,000-33,000 annually (commensurate with experience). Employer pension contribution. Health benefit provided based on candidate residency (optional). This position is full time in person.

Qualifications required: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and right to work in the UK. Experience in higher education, student advising/counseling, and facilities/housing management; computer/technology skills; administering budgets and contracts; and familiarity with study abroad programme operations. Experience with the U.S. higher education system and study abroad/international programs would be a considerable advantage.

Application must be submitted electronically with Microsoft Word attachments. Send cover letter, CV/resume, and the names, titles, and phone numbers of three references to Dr. Amy Paugh, Director of Semester in London Program, paughal@jmu.edu. Review of applicants will begin the 5th of May. Initial interviews will be held via Zoom. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Description Detail

Student Support:

• Maintain a regular schedule of 7.5-hour workdays Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 9am and 7pm. Flexibility is required during orientation week and semester events and trips outside of London.
• Create a positive rapport with students to assist with their success in the programme.
• Provide support to students throughout their time in London, including connecting them with extracurricular resources.
• Be aware of student welfare concerns and provide educational materials for health, safety, and well-being.
• Support students while maintaining confidentiality and following FERPA regulations.
• Assist with preparation and support for the New Dukes program that runs in Autumn semesters.
• Research London events and opportunities for student engagement and immersion and share about events and reminders in our regular newsletter.
• Assist with the weekly group meeting and grading as needed.
• Provide active support for group excursions in London and weekend trips outside of London as needed, including travel with the group and/or office coverage.
• Provide support to students for emergency response and crisis management, including periodic on-call emergency coverage for the Programme Coordinator.

Operations: 

• Support the London team in organising and coordinating orientation week and preparing Madison House for student arrival and departure.
• Assist the Programme Coordinator with bookings for trips, excursions and other activities for students.
• Liaise with providers (housing, classrooms) as needed for maintenance, general upkeep, and bookings.
• Assist with coordination and planning of special faculty and student events and visits from alumni and special guests from campus.
• Adhere to all financial policies and regulations associated with the Commonwealth of Virginia (U.S.), James Madison University.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the successful operation of James Madison University’s London Study Abroad Programme’s goals and objectives.

Communication: 

• Liaise with our UK based faculty regarding term schedules, student enrolments, Canvas use, educational support, and other items as they arise.
• Support the rotating Faculty Member in Residence’s transition to living in the UK and assist with event planning.
• Collaborate with the Programme Coordinator and faculty regarding student academic concerns, conduct, group well-being, and maintenance of policies.
• Help Student Programme Assistants to plan and book social events.
• Collaborate with local partners for student immersion opportunities and engagement.
• Oversee Semester in London social media accounts, such as Instagram.
• Follow emergency protocols and liaise with response teams in case of emergency.
• Report to the Programme Coordinator, Director, and JMU Center for Global Engagement.

Please note this list of duties is not comprehensive and could be subject to change.

Required skills, competencies and experience: 

• The legal right to work in the UK.
• An undergraduate degree (BA, BS, or equivalent).
• Experience working in a university or academic setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and experience presenting to groups.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment while also able to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with a strong ability to problem solve, multi-task, prioritize and identify issues and work in confidential situations.
• Administrative and financial management experience.
• Good IT skills particularly Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Reliable, honest, mature outlook, proactive and hardworking.
• Genuine interest in supporting students.
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of London, and knowledge of UK and Europe.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working in the study abroad industry.
• An understanding of both UK and American university culture and operations.
• Experience using Canvas or a similar course management system.
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad, or working with international students.
• Previous teaching experience.
• Master’s degree in student affairs or a related area.